European Fiesta updated

The UK’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, is getting a series of revisions for 2013.

Most obvious of these is the facelifted front end which now features a single, large trapezoidal front grille, a redesigned bonnet and new headlights that incorporate LED daytime running lights.

It’s a successful restyle, although possibly a familiar one. That’s because the look was originally seen on the Fiesta ST Concept, which was first unveiled a year ago.

Full model specifications aren’t going to be announced until the Paris Motor Show later this month, but Ford has confirmed that the 1.0 litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine will be offered in the Fiesta for the first time.

Also debuting in the supermini will be several useful technologies, including Ford SYNC which allows for voice activation of the car’s audio system and Bluetooth-connected mobile phones. Another is Active City Stop, a system unique in this segment that helps drivers to avoid low speed collisions.

However, MyKey is probably going to be the most interesting feature for those who might lend their Fiesta to inexperienced drivers. It permits maximum speed and audio limits to be set, while preventing safety systems and driver aids from being switched off. Whether its fitment will have any impact on insurance premiums remains to be seen, though.

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